I’ve said many times before that my first real camera was a Minolta Hi-Matic 7sii compact rangefinder. For a while I used a Canon SLR (AE-1), but when it came to switch to digital after a period using Canon and Panasonic compact digital cameras, I turned initially to a Konica/Minolta Maxxum DSLR (5D) and when Minolta got out of the camera business, to a Sony Alpha 500. So I’m a bit biased. I’ve always had a fondness for Minolta cameras, and particularly for their lenses. It should be no surprise then that when I started using legacy lenses (with an appropriate adapter) on my Sony NEX 5N, Minolta lenses were among the first I considered.

I particularly like this one. It feels good in the hand. Solid, but not unduly heavy. It’s also quite compact.

The aperture ring clicks nicely and the focus is smooth and precise. Minimum focusing distance is 1.5ft.

It’s very good optically with seven elements in six groups providing superb contrast and resolution. I love the out of focus areas (I hate the world bokeh). I didn’t notice any significant chromatic aberration and the only flare that was apparent was when shooting directly into the sun.

I think mine cost about $50, which is terrific value for money

I use mine with an inexpensive adapter on my Sony NEX 5N where it’s the equivalent of a 75mm lens.

For a more extensive review see: Minolta 50mm f1.4 – the Ultimate Standard Legacy Lens on Casual Photophile.

For some pictures I’ve taken with this lens see:

Tulips
Heron Statues
Abandoned Shacks
Thousand Lotus Terrace
Williams Burial Plot